Vikings hire two ~

The Vikings formalized several changes to their personnel department Thursday, adding two members of the Miami Dolphins front office while saying at least one longtime employee likely will leave.

Frank Gilliam, who joined the organization in 1970 and served as a regional scout last season, wants "to pursue other opportunities," said Rick Spielman, vice president of player personnel. Gilliam could return in a consultant's role, Spielman said. The same goes for pro scout Paul Wiggin, whose situation has not been finalized.

Meanwhile, Spielman confirmed the hiring of George Paton as director of player personnel and Scott Kuhn as a pro scout. Frank Acevedo, formerly a pro scout, will move into a college scouting role, Spielman also confirmed.

Paton and Kuhn worked in Miami for Spielman, the Dolphins' top personnel executive from 2000 to '04.

"This was the first opportunity to bring in some guys that are familiar with the system," Spielman said. "I think by adding these two, and doing some of the things we have done, will actually strengthen the department even more."

Paton, who was expected Thursday at Winter Park, will oversee the pro side of the personnel department, a job that has been vacant for several years. Scott Studwell will remain director of college scouting, reporting directly to Spielman. The rest of the team's personnel department will return intact.

"Those guys are extremely talented at what they do," Spielman said. "The one thing is, sometimes when a new guy comes in, you want to see the work ethic and buying into your system, and they all did that. They all came in, pitched in, and learned a new way to do things without any hesitation."